Treatment for sweating of feet

Sweaty feet (known as plantar hyperhidrosis) are a common problem and in many cases, certain types of shoes contribute to sweaty feet and sweat usually causes the feet to become smelly. Most people experience sweaty feet during exercise and in hot weather, but some people suffer from excessive sweating, which can impact on several areas of their lives. They may feel embarrassed about the smell and appearance of their feet, especially if they are in a situation where other people can see their feet, for example in the summer when people wear sandals or flip-flops or in shoe shops when they are trying on new shoes.

What to do if you have sweaty feet

Many people may assume that sweaty feet are completely normal, but if you sweat excessively and this impacts upon the way you live your life, you should consider seeing a doctor. Your doctor will probably make some recommendations to reduce sweating, which include:

• Wear shoes made of leather, rather than man-made fibres or synthetic materials, as these tend to increase sweating.
• Wear socks made of light cotton, rather than man-made fibres.
• Wash your feet regularly.
• Use an antiperspirant rather that a deodorant.
• Wear open shoes, especially if it is hot outside.

Treatments for sweaty feet

If the changes listed above do not work, there are other treatments that can be effective. Iontophoresis is successful in around 80-90 percent of cases, which involves placing the feet in a bowl of water and passing a light electric current through the water. Although it is effective, iontophoresis requires repeat sessions and therefore it may not be suitable for everyone. Botox can also be an effective treatment for sweaty feet but it can be painful. Surgery is possible but it is not usually advised as damage to the nerves can cause permanent sexual dysfunction.